Walter Alvarez

Walter Alvarez is a renowned physicist and geologist best known for his groundbreaking work in planetary science, particularly the theory that a large asteroid impact caused the mass extinction event that led to the demise of the dinosaurs around 66 million years ago. Along with his father, Luis Alvarez, he discovered a layer of iridium-rich clay in the geological record, which suggested a cosmic impact. This finding has significantly influenced our understanding of Earth's history and the role of extraterrestrial events in shaping life on our planet. Alvarez's research combines geology, physics, and planetary science, making profound contributions to the field.